Raw deal for 16-year-old shoe store

The footwear store Raw is set for closure on Saturday, June 18, due to poor sales over the past few years.

The retailer, located on Sincil Street, has been open for 16 years and was previously called Marlone Shoes.

The store attempted to relocate but couldn’t find a suitable unit for them to operate effectively. The unit is owned by Lincolnshire Co-operative and there are currently no plans for a new tenant.

Raw, which is a chain across the UK, has seen a notable decline in its store numbers over the last decade.

In 1999 Raw operated 33 stores and now, after the Lincoln branch closes, there will only be four left. The remaining stores are in Plymouth, Exeter, York and Peterborough.

Simon Krivec, manager of Raw in Lincoln, said: “There is no negotiation over the rent and unfortunately we could not turnover enough profit to keep the operation going. I have worked here for 12 years and it will be sad to leave.

“Because of this recession the country is in, people just aren’t buying items like shoes as often as they used to and if they do. Plus, a lot more people look for cheaper alternatives at retailers like Primark.”

The store will be open until 3pm on June 18.

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